Igniting Love

Rescue Me #2

by Sara Ohlin

When an embittered artist crosses paths with a young widow, the heat is on…

When personal chef and single mom Katie Walsh jumps back into the dating game, Leo Treversini’s gaze in the doorway of a local bar lights up her whole body. Bumping into him a week later, Kate thinks fate is calling—until Leo’s bitter words hit her like a punch to the gut.

Recently returned to the up-and-coming Corvallis neighborhood, metal artist and loner Leo feels the beautiful power of Katie’s eyes like the flame from his torch, but discovering his muse is married and the young mother of three daughters cuts him to the quick.

Except…Katie is widowed, which means she’s free to love again—if she can trust a man with her heart and her most precious gifts, her daughters. As Leo is free to love her, if he can overcome a past betrayal and believe in Katie’s love. Add in the meddling community, Katie’s family and teenage internet crime and it’s going to be far from easy…or even likely.

Katie’s love might be just the balm Leo’s wounded heart needs, but will he have the courage to face his crushing past to accept it?

Can the artist with the wounded heart love his muse?

197 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 17, 2020

About the author

Puget Sound based writer, Sara Ohlin is a mom, wannabe photographer, obsessive reader, ridiculous foodie, and the author of ten romance novels with Totally Bound Publishing.

She has over twenty years of creative non-fiction and memoir writing experience, and you can find her essays at Anderbo.com, Feminine Collective, Mothers Always Write, Her View from Home, and in anthologies such as Are We Feeling Better Yet? Women Speak about Healthcare in America, Take Care: Tales, Tips, & Love from Women Caregivers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Although she’s the author of many essays about life, grief, motherhood and the connections we make through delicious food and shared meals, Sara loves creating imaginary worlds with tight-knit communities in her romance novels. She credits her mother, Mary, Nora Roberts and Rosamunde Pilcher for her love of romance.

If she’s not reading or writing, you will most likely find her in the kitchen creating scrumptious meals with her two kids and amazing husband, or perhaps cooking up her next love story.

She once met a person who both “didn’t read books” and wasn’t “that into food” and it nearly broke her heart.

Reviews

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazon / B&N / Apple / Kobo

When Katie and Leo see each other for the first time, there's a jolt of electricity, a connection neither was expecting. Unfortunately, their next meeting is far less pleasant, thanks to a huge assumption and horrible behavior on Leo's part, and things are looking grim for these two. But when he takes his head out of his ass and realizes what he got wrong, he will stop at nothing to get Katie to at least forgive him for his assumption. And perhaps to wrangle a date out of her. But Katie's a very busy single mom of three, a chef, and a widow who's not looking to open up her heart to love again. But those walls of hers will be no match for Leo and his persistence. Is it possible this is Katie's second chance at love?

I loved this opposites attract romance. For all Leo's ridiculous assumptions, he's a big sweetheart, and the way he gently wooed Katie was downright swoon worthy. Katie, though, for me, was the real standout of this story - strong, sweet, and a wonderful mother, she was the kind of heroine I wish all writers would write, and I love that she was paired with Leo's sweetheart of an artist. I cannot wait for more of the Rescue Me world now!



ARC via Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review.

Review: Live Through Books Blog.

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[Romantically Inclined Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was provided free in exchange for an honest review.

This cover was intimidating. I mean, look at that man! I didn't read the blurb before digging in and genuinely thought I was cracking open a book about a motorcycle club or something. But nope. Turns out the hero is a sweet-talking, PhD toting, somewhat grumpy artist currently renovating an old Victorian house with his bare hands. He had his asshole moments--thanks, big misunderstanding--but in the end he was the sort of hero you really want to escape into a book with.

Katie--ooh, I love this name (obviously) but it was admittedly weird to read a romance where the heroine has my name. Why aren't more heroines named Katie?--is a widowed mother to three girls. Yay for a romance novel that features a mature woman rather than an 18-22 year old, though we love them of course. Katie has dreams (starting with buying a new car that doesn't break down every week), a successful career (that she wants to take to the next level) and... a totally stalled love life. Understandably. I mean, did you hear the number of balls she's juggling? I can hardly meet up with a friend for coffee once a month. Something always falls by the wayside and for Katie it's meeting men.

There's some insta-love between the characters, lots of "souls crashing together" talk, and the dialogue and writing style is very poetic in a way. Some readers who prefer their romance novels a little more straight forward might not jive with the flowery language used here, but I know that many readers will appreciate the sheer amount of feeling that went into the writing. Still, fair-warning that it occasionally gets a tad eye-rollingly adorable (especially where the kids are involved).

I liked Katie and Leo together. There was a lot of push and pull that kept their relationship interesting and their insta-connection was fun to read. There was just the right amount of drama in just the right number of doses where you're entertained but you still want them to end up together at the end. The interactions between Leo and Katie's daughters were precious and I really loved the short glimpses into the eldest daughter's life and struggles as well.

All in all, Igniting Love would be the perfect read for those who want good writing, don't mind their romances occasionally tipping into over-the-top, and who can appreciate the journey of a mature woman. I'd absolutely keep going with this series because all the characters were charming and I have some serious questions for the hot Uncle.

[Books+Coffee=Happiness Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grumpy artist meets quirky single mom in this cute yet steamy romance.

Our first few glimpses of Leo show us an angsty, brooding man who has the soul of an artist and the outward appearance of a bear. I loved him at once. Having lived with a moody artist, I wanted to smack Leo upside the head when he’d jump to conclusions without giving Katie a chance to explain, but overall he was a sweet, thoughtful, smart man and perfect for Katie.

Katie might be a tough single mom, but like most moms she’s put herself last for so long she’s not sure she’s allowed to grab hold of a new relationship with Leo. She’s smart and determined, and her love for her daughters is inspiring.

Seeing the heat between these two, as well as their family moments with the girls, made this a sweet story that kept me smiling. If you want a romance with insta-love, lots of heat, and a big bear of a man with a gentle touch, you can’t go wrong with Igniting Love... but be warned, Katie’s youngest, little CeCe will steal your heart. That girl is too adorable for words.

*I received an ARC of Igniting Love. The review above is my honest opinion.

[Rosanna Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Sara Ohlin has created an engaging world with her Rescue Me series. In the series, we see close friendships and family connections, as well as some very romantic relationships. That is exactly what we get with Igniting Love. Both hero Leo and heroine Katie have loved and lost in the past. Those losses have left them with scars and a whole lot of hesitation. Things begin with a bang when a misunderstanding causes Leo to make assumptions about Katie, but they manage to clear things up quickly. What follows is a steamy attraction that neither can seem to fight. However, Katie has three young daughters and she is trying hard to make a stable life for them. Hot Leo is probably the last thing she needs right now...but as every good romance shows us, you can't help but surrender when love is in the air. I like that these characters feel like real people with real concerns. The story has a lot of heat and a very tense climax. However, all resolves well and happily. And I can't get enough of that sexy cover!
CW: loss of partner, drug overdose.

[Kirstie Barr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just wow!

Katie and her girls are a beautiful unit! Rosie is a typical full of attitude teenager but super brave, smart, tech savvy & brilliantly sarcastic! Cece is a force in her own right, totally sassy and talks a mile a minute! She’s so intuitive and really cute! Brie is a little harder to get a read on but once you get to know her she’s really mature and caring for her young age.

Ooh and who doesn’t love a hot angsty artist? Swoon! Leo game me all the feels 🥰 His nickname for cece when he was taking Katie out for their first date - ‘firelight’ omg, that little convo between them had me teary 🥲 Well I actually had more than a few teary moments throughout, 😢 it was beautifully written!

I can’t begin to explain how this book made me feel. Ultimately shattered with emotions and glued back together with such a sweet happy ending!

[Georgia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Igniting Love is the first book I have read by Sara Ohlin and its a wonderful romance that offers a lot of small town charm of friends, family and laughter. This is Leo and Katie's story, they are both enjoyable characters and lovable along with all of the side characters that are well written. Their attraction was strong and their chemistry generated lots of sparks. The storyline was engaging and fun but offers a solid amount of drama, surprises and emotional turmoil as this couples relationship evolves into more than they ever imagined.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shanna D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Igniting Love by Sara Ohlin. This is book 2 in the Rescue Me series and can be read as a standalone. The characters are genuine with baggage, faults, fears, and dreams. Enduring story plot that sucked me right in wishing and hoping for a well deserved HEA. This is one of those stories that tugs on your heartstrings and makes you want to pull your hair out at the same time. I would recommend this book, series, and author to others. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read written by Sara Ohlin; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie is a widowed mother of three girls when she meets Leo and falls for him immediately but he thinks she is married and flirting with him so he gives her the brush off. When he finds out her husband died five years ago he feels terrible but ask her on a date which she accepts. Through their ups and downs they build a relationship that soon turns into a family feeling. Loved this story and the characters were great especially little Cece who stole my heart and Leo is pretty darn sexy.

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Igniting Love is the second book in the Rescue Me series and is a sweet romance with realistic characters, charming children, and a great storyline.
I read and reviewed this book with no obligation.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is the love story between Katie and Leo. Katie is a widow and mother of great girls. Leo is a sexy and multi talented man who prefers his own company. There is a strong attraction between them. It is all good until a misconception on his part almost ends it before it got started. Their story is sweet, funny and emotional. Once they resolve the issue they can begin as a family and have a happy future. I enjoyed all the characters, including the girls. I look forward to what Sara brings us next

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotional journey after loss

Enjoyed the book. How Katie after the death of her husband years earlier struggles with moving on. After a chance encounter with a stranger she believes she is ready. Leo is strong, handsome and stubborn. Leo has his own issues can he leave is hurt in the past. This book was hard to put down. The struggles with finding love and protecting your heart along with raising children and protecting them is definitely hard. A definite must read.

[Helena Mendes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie and Leo's story is heartwarming and romantic. What they go through to love and be with each other is daunting. The story is very well written and I enjoyed it very much.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isabel Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when you read a book and just fall in love with the leading characters. In this book each member of the Walsh family will capture your heart and tug at your heartstrings. Through the characters the book is much more than just a romance, it’s teenage awkwardness, trauma, the effects of grief and the magic of art and discovery. Although it’s the second in the series it could be read as a stand-alone as the characters from the first book are secondary characters in this one. I love the writer’s style and the way the story draws you in. A wonderful read.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Rescue Me series a well written story that held my interest until the end. Personal chef and single mom Katie Walsh, her three daughters, and metal artist and loner Leo Treversini’s story. There is drama, suspense, family, friends, twists, turns, near death, and love. I want to read more in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Pichner]

Must read romance

This is my first book from Sara Ohlin and I thought it was a fantastic read.
I absolutely loved Leo and Katies story.
This book had me on an emotional roller coaster. I laughed, cried and was really angry but thats what made this read fantastic.
I highly recommend this book.

[Atlanta Whitlock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t know how Sara Ohlin does it, she just manages to create these amazing stories and you can’t help but get sucked into the stories that she writes. I loved getting to read about Katie’s story because back in the first book you saw one side to her and it seemed that Katie had everything all together, but in reality, when it came to this book, it’s clear there’s a lot more beyond the surface.
I loved how Sara created Katie, as it’s clear she has a lot on her plate, but with the fact she’s raising three young daughters on her own as she’s been a widow for so long, it’s interesting to see that even though this is a story, this can happen in real life and some people do tend to struggle. All I wanted for Katie was for life to be a little easier on her, she deserves to have some happiness and time for herself but having to raise her three daughters and dealing with the struggles when it comes to her oldest. I think that Sara handled everything in such a delicate but hands on way, I loved everything about it and couldn’t fault the story.
I also thought that Rosie (Katie’s oldest daughter) was interesting as it’s clear there’s a lot happening in her head and that she’s too afraid to even open up to anyone about what’s going on. I would love to see if Sara actually plans on writing a book from her point of view at some point because you do see her grow in this book, but at the same time it would be great to see how things develop for her.
I’m excited to see what happens with the rest of this series as I’m hooked so far and I’m loving all the characters.

Katie’s sole focus has been looking after her three daughters and trying to make a career for herself so that she can support her and her three girls ever since her husband died. However, it’s clear that whilst she loves her job, she’s craving the intimacy, but feels guilty for even thinking about anything. When one of her clients goes ahead and gives her an assignment on needing to explore more, whether that be sign up to online dating, going on a date, even experimenting with toys, she knows that she’s way out of her depth.
After bumping into this stranger when entering the pub in their small town, she can’t help but feel alive just from his lingering stare alone.
Will Katie be able to find the balance and actually start putting herself first for a change?
What will Katie make of the mysterious stranger from the pub, will she ever see him again??
What is going on with Rosie??? Will Katie get to the bottom of it?

[Roxx Tarantini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have always loved a starting-over story and Igniting Love hits that twice when both our heroine and hero are starting again and healing from old wounds.

Katie is a young widow, uncertain that new love is a good idea, especially with three little girls. Leo is an artist, recently moved back to the area, nursing a betrayed heart. Though the sparks are undeniable, are they ready to place their trust in someone else’s hands?

Ohlin draws her characters with great sympathy and understanding; you want them to overcome the past and move forward.

I enjoyed Igniting Love I think you will as well.

[I was fortunate to receive a copy of the book from the author through the 2021 Winter Games Reader Challenge with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]

[Jennifer Cone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sara is a new author to me. I am so happy I got to read this story! You fall in love with the characters especially the girls. I found myself laughing out loud, crying, and sometimes yelling (at Leo). All the characters go through a transformation. I couldn't put this down! Now that I'm done.....I want more! I want to know what happens in the future. This story pulls you in completely. You feel like they are family! I can't wait to read what Sara comes out with next!!

[Elvira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie’s love might be what Leo’s wounded heart needs to help build a life fueled with family and love with an already made family. The storyline flowed easily and smoothly throughout the pages I loved every word within the pages.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Igniting Love

Swoon worthy! A wonderfully sweet romance that melted me. It was absolutely adorable with the kids and wonderfully steamy with the main characters. I really enjoyed the story and loved the characters.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this small town story!!!

Loved this book!! The love, heartache, and pain is so real!! Anyone can relate to this book!! Can’t wait to see where the story goes after this!! Grab the tissues, you will need them!!

[Laura ~Passion flower]

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book to read I couldn't put it down. Really enjoyed reading it. Five star book. I do recommend it.

[JoAnne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author certainly knows how to weave a story - very well written. I found it to be emotional and funny at times. I became totally immersed in Katie and Leo's story.